by Jonathan van Bilsen
Juan Coronado’s name has circulated widely among music enthusiasts for years, and meeting him in person offered a rare opportunity to uncover the story of this exceptional guitarist.
My first encounter with Juan took place about 25 years ago, when he was recognized as one of the top ten guitarists in the world, from over 3,000 submissions. That recognition afforded him the chance to perform at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, in Cleveland, an experience which undoubtedly left a lasting impression.
Juan recalled that extraordinary moment, explaining how it came early in his career, as a solo artist. Guitar Player magazine had launched a search for new talent, prompting Juan to consider sending in his work, even though his focus had never been instrumental music. He recorded two pieces and submitted them, without giving it much thought, eventually forgetting about it altogether. Eight months later, a phone call invited him to perform, alongside other top-tier guitarists, at the iconic venue. The recognition and support from the event, reinforced his belief in the power of his music.
Juan’s journey began in Medellín, Colombia, a city celebrated for its beauty and vibrant culture. I had visited Medellín in the 1980s, and could appreciate the artistic energy which shaped his upbringing. At 30, Juan emigrated to Canada, where he took on the challenge of learning English, while adapting to his new environment.
His connection to music began at age 16, spurred by an innate curiosity to create the sounds which had always inspired him. His initial interest gravitated toward heavy metal, which stood in stark contrast to the traditional Latin sounds of his homeland. The rise of Spanish-language rock in the 1980s, however, had a significant influence on Juan’s artistic path.
Juan’s parents both played guitar and sang, though their influence initially discouraged him. “I remember receiving a guitar as a Christmas gift, and feeling disappointed. Later, when left to my own devices, I started exploring rock music on my mother’s nylon-string classical guitar,” he shared. Those early sessions turned into hours of practice and discovery, laying the groundwork for his burgeoning passion.
Aside from his guitar skills, Juan is an accomplished drummer. His first band, in Colombia, provided him with his initial experiences performing live. Eager to take on the role of a guitarist, he later formed a group named Emmahu. Within three months, they secured a record deal and spent the next seven years playing large concerts. Following Emmahu’s success, Juan formed another band, La Universal which also garnered attention. One of their songs, ‘Ola de Calor,’ became a surprise hit, after being played on a local radio station, catapulting the band to new heights.
As a songwriter, Juan’s contributions spanned from crafting guitar and bass lines, to writing melodies and lyrics. His ability to shape the complete musical identity of his bands, underscored his dedication and creativity. These talents were put to the test, when he and his Canadian wife decided to move to Canada.
Juan met his wife through La Universal, where she was also a member. After marrying, they decided to start a new chapter together in Canada. “Leaving everything behind was harder than I expected,” Juan admitted. The transition was challenging, as he navigated a new country and sought ways to re-establish his music career. “At first, I did not even know where to buy basic items for my guitar, or how to connect with local musicians.”
Despite these hurdles, Juan found success in his adopted home. In 2007, he was once again recognized as a top ten guitarist, this time, at the American Music Hall, in San Francisco. His accolades continued, with awards from the Ontario Independent Music Awards and the Orange County Music Awards. Locally, his song writing earned him recognition, including ‘Best Rock Recording of the Year’ in Durham Region.
Juan established Ultrasonico, a recording studio in Whitby which serves as both a creative space and a teaching hub. He records, mixes, and masters projects for various bands, while teaching guitar, drums, and bass. The studio has become a vital part of his career, enabling him to collaborate with musicians, and assist them in developing their own work.
While Juan still performs live, his passion for studio work and teaching, has grown over time. He enjoys the process of shaping a piece of music, from its earliest ideas to the final product. This environment also allows him to foster a connection with other artists, sharing his expertise and encouraging their growth.
Juan’s love for music has influenced his family. His son Matteo, at just 13 years old, is a dedicated musician, who writes, performs, and records his own compositions. Matteo takes full control of his creative process, working from his home studio, to produce music which reflects his talents and vision. Juan’s daughter, Eva, also plays guitar but has chosen a different career path. “Music has always been central to our lives. My wife and I both come from musical families, so it feels natural our children would have an interest,” Juan shared.
Looking ahead, Juan Coronado remains focused on creating, teaching, and exploring new sounds. Music has been a constant companion in his life, offering both challenges and rewards. With a career marked by talent, perseverance, and a deep love for his craft, Juan’s story is a testament to the power of pursuing one’s passion.
To follow Juan Coronado’s career, visit juancoronado.com. Juan was also a guest on my television show, currently playing on Rogers TV, as well as The Jonathan van Bilsen Show on YouTube.
Jonathan van Bilsen is a television host, award winning photographer, published author, columnist and keynote speaker. His show, ‘The Jonathan van Bilsen Show’, on RogersTV, the Standard Website or YouTube, features many of the people included in this column.
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